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Why Suffering, Lord?
 Why
is there sickness, suffering and death? You are all-powerful and merciful, why
then do you withhold healing, Lord? Could it be that you don’t hear our groans
or you don’t notice the tears upon our cheeks?
In the beginning you created everything good and perfect. You formed us in
your own image and called us to enjoy your fellowship and sweet love. You also
warned us that sin brings forth death. But our first parents disobeyed and
rebelled against your rule, and we too, by our sins, persist in that rebellion
against our Maker.
Consequently, today we do not see a beautiful garden, but thorns and briars,
drought and corruption. Enough beauty remains that we may be reminded of your
goodness. But now our joy is mixed with sorrow, health is endangered by
sickness, and life is threatened by death, so that we may never forget how
hideous is our sin in your holy eyes, and how bitter is its fruit.
You had warned us in the beginning, and you warn us again and again. If we
remain obstinate and unrepentant, there will be far worse sufferings in the
unquenchable fire of hell. Teach me, O Lord, to walk in your fear, to despise
what you despise, to hate sin which has brought such widespread destruction and
misery. Grant me a repentant heart, to shy away from every form of evil, and
take up the narrow road that leads to everlasting life.
When you visit me with sickness, Lord, grant me faith that I may trust in
you, because you have ever been and remain in perfect control of everything. A
sparrow will not fall to the ground unless you will it, even so my life is in
your hands, Lord. If you desire, you can heal me; if not, may your will be done.
You do not capriciously put me to the test, but in wisdom you are able to
overrule my sufferings to accomplish you good purpose for my welfare and for
your own glory.
When I lack understanding and my sight is blurred by tears, teach me to
remain silent and to refrain from uttering a single word of protest against you.
When you will have me pass through the valley of the shadow of death, you will
surely remember your promise. You will not leave me alone in the darkness of the
night. Be close to me, O Lord; you are my help and my only comfort. I kiss your
invisible hand that guides me, and wholeheartedly worship you, the only blessed
God.
Draw me closer to the cross, o Lord, for you are not a stranger to suffering
and pain. Lord, you left heaven’s glory, and willingly chose to serve rather
than be served. You were crowned with a crown of thorns, O my King; they
stripped you and nailed you to the accursed tree. You, the holy and pure, did
not deserve to suffer and die; but you took upon yourself my sickness and
my sin. You accepted the punishment that was due to me. Your
cross, O Lord, is my healing; your blood cleanses me from all my blemishes and
shame.
So I look forward with hope; the grave isn’t the final stop of this short
journey. Just as you conquered death and arose victoriously from the grave, O
Lord, I will live again when, by your powerful word, you will call me back to
life. You will clothe me with an incorruptible body, wipe away every tear from
my eyes, heal me from every disease and make me completely whole. On that day, O
Lord, I will ask no more about suffering.
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